Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Task Force finalizes recommendations

Published On: May 6, 2021Categories: Industry News

After a year of deliberations and public input, the 21-member Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Task Force has finalized recommendations to enhance outdoor recreation in Minnesota.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Sarah Strommen and Explore Minnesota Executive Director John Edman charged the Task Force to consider (1) how to bring measured growth, increased and equitable access, and a higher quality of outdoor recreation opportunities to Minnesotans and visitors and (2) how to organize and implement this collaborative work going forward. The Task Force shared their recommendations with the Public in January 2021 and incorporated public input into their final product.

The Task Force identified three key action areas and recommended the creation of an Office of Outdoor Recreation to accomplish them. The key action areas are:

  • Increase participation by advancing equity, diversity, and inclusivity
  • Unite Minnesota’s outdoor recreation community
  • Unify communications amongst Minnesota’s diverse outdoor recreation sector.

In addition to the recommendation of creating and funding an Office of Outdoor Recreation, the Task Force recognized that other government agencies, non-profit organizations, user groups and industries also need to advance these recommendations in concert with the Office if Minnesota is to realize a more welcoming, inclusive, active and connected outdoor recreation community. The final set of recommendations is available on the Task Force webpage.